2025 Charlotte Hornets Preseason Preview

The Charlotte Hornets finished the 2023-24 season with 21 wins and 61 losses. They finished with the 28th worse offensive rating and the 29th worse defensive rating. Their biggest question surrounds the availability of LaMelo Ball, who played 22 games last season after only playing 36 the year before.

(AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Aside from the now 23 year old LaMelo, Charlotte will see how Brandon Miller improves in his sophomore season this year after finished 3rd in rookie of the year voting. The Hornets will look to develop young talent around these two, both under team control until at least the 2028 season.

Charlotte’s front office has been active on the fringes of large trades, accumulating two second round picks and cash in the Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo trade, and netting an additional pick and Josh Green in the 6 team trade that saw Klay Thompson moved to Dallas.

New head coach Charles Lee has spent most of his coaching career on winning teams, including Milwaukee in 2021 and Boston last year. It will be of note how he handles a situation that may require a bit more patience to get to the level of play he’s been around.